Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak plans to visit Iran in the near future to discuss ways to boost trade cooperation in joint projects, particularly in fuel production plants.

"I am planning to visit Tehran in the near future in order to discuss our projects, the development of trade and economic cooperation, trade turnover and in fact in all areas," Novak said on Friday, Press TV reported.

He, however, did not clarify whether talks will take place within the framework of Russian-Iranian Business Council or other frameworks.

"We are now discussing the dates for holding a relevant intergovernmental commission meeting. It will take place in Iran this year, most likely in Tehran. The date has not been determined,” the Russian energy minister said.

He noted that he would hold relevant meetings on the development of trade and economic cooperation.

Iran and Russia are expected to sign an agreement on providing loans of five billion dollars and 2.2 billion dollars to Tehran to develop industrial cooperation.

In his visit to Tehran for the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in November 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow’s readiness to provide the two state loans to Tehran to promote industrial cooperation.

The Russian president noted that Tehran and Moscow have selected 35 priority projects in energy, port facilities, and railway electrification.